Iss u e N o .

3 , 2 0 1 1

Feature story

InSite 4.0: Visualising a

Better Mine Production
Management System
The latest version of the Gemcom InSite mine production management
solution hit the market 3rd August, introducing exciting new Shift
Management and Central Monitoring capabilities. Charlie Forrest,
Product Manager for InSite, walks us through the new features and
gives a behind-the-scenes look at how they came into development.
+ Click here to read the full story (page 2)

customer story
Gold Fields Ghana Utilises
Gemcom Whittle to Improve
Cash Flow at Tarkwa Operation
Gold mining operation uses Gemcom Whittle and Gemcom Surpac to rapidly
generate and evaluate multiple designs, allowing the optimal scenario to be selected.
+ Click here to read the full story (page 4)

Product News and Tips Regional News

+ AUSTRALASIA (page 5)
Gemcom Surpac Gemcom MineSched
+ EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST AND
+ learn more (Page 10) + Learn more (page 14) NORTH AFRICA (page 6)
+ INDO-AFRICA (page 7)
Gemcom GEMS Gemcom PCBC + LATIN AMERICA (page 8)
+ Learn more (page 11) + Learn more (page 16)
+ NORTH AMERICA (page 9)

Gemcom Minex Gemcom Hub

+ Learn more (page 12) + Learn more (page 17) global events calendar
+ see where
Gemcom Whittle Gemcom InSite to find us
(page 19)
+ Learn more (page 13) + Learn more (page 2)

Gemcom Support Gemcom Services Gemcom community

+ Learn more (page 19) + Learn more (page 18)
+ Learn more (page 20)

Disclaimer and copyrights

This document gives only a general description of products and services and except where expressly provided otherwise shall not form part of any contract.
Changes may be made in products or services at any time without notice. Copyright 2011, Gemcom Software International Inc. Gemcom, the Gemcom logo,
combinations thereof, and Surpac, GEMS, Minex, MineSched, Gemcom InSite, Whittle, PCBC and Gemcom Hub are trademarks of Gemcom Software
International Inc. All other names are trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of their respective owners.
Mining Software Solutions
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Feature story
Gemcom
InSite 4.0:
Visualising a Better
Mine Production
Management Solution

Charlie Forrest, Product Manager

Mine Production Management

The latest
version of the
award-winning
Gemcom InSite
mine production
management
solution was
released on 3rd
August. A leader
in material
movements, stockpile management
and reconciliation, InSite records and
evaluates data for service, support
and production activities from the
mine through to saleable product. The
much anticipated InSite 4.0 features
two new modules to accurately
visualise and manage operations.
Charlie Forrest, Product Manager for
InSite, gives us the behind-the-scenes
info on the development of version
4.0, and tells us about its exciting
new features.
Whats New for InSite 4.0?
The biggest features of this release
are the two new modules: Shift
Management and Central Monitoring.
The Shift Management module
provides transparency into shift
planning and operations, allowing
you to execute and manage tasks
against a plan, within a shift.
Basically, it ensures shift time is
used as efficiently as possible, and
highlights and eliminates conflicts
and bottlenecks.
The Central Monitoring module
provides a graphical real time display
of your entire operation, with visual
representations of all active tasks.
Central Monitoring module provides a real time schematic for open pit and underground operations.
The ability to monitor data from Shift
Management along with all other
operational data allows you to react
quickly to changing conditions and
solve problems as they arise.
What Capabilities are
You Most Excited About?
Im most excited about the visual
component and the technology were
using. The new technology is web-
based which means the retrieval and
analysis of data is much quicker.
With traditional mine production
management systems, you enter
data, and then wait for a report, and
by the time you find out about any
issues, theyve already been causing
problems in production. InSite 4.0
functions in real time, so as data
comes in, you can be alerted, get
trending on it and perform analysis
right away. It gives the shift boss,
engineer or geologist the ability to
make informed decisions about an
issue during the shift, rather than
looking at a report at the end of the
day and realising they missed the
shift target.
The visual component provided by the
graphical user interface is a major
feature of this release. Being able to
not only review data in real time, but
also to visualise it graphically makes
it so much easier to monitor tasks
and their progress.
Behind the Scenes, What Goes
into Determining the Need for a
Particular Module or Feature?
Well, conducting market research is
one way to ensure a new release will fit
into the current market from a company
perspective and a revenue perspective,
but the biggest determining factor is
visiting client sites.
I spend a lot of time travelling and
visiting both our own client sites
as well as other non-InSite client
sites. I see how theyre performing,
how they operate and find out what
their challenges are. For existing
clients, I see how our software is
performing, what they like and where
the deficiencies are. If clients are
not using InSite, I find out what their
needs are and how InSite could be
developed to work for them.
Additionally, by going around the
globe I can get a consensus on
similar issues across the board.
During my last trip, I started in

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Australia and saw that there was a
need for retrieval of data from the
manual data capture system. Next
I went to Africa and saw the same
thing, then to North America, and
so on. Getting out into the market
means I can get validation on
common issues pretty quickly.
The impetus behind 4.0 was
predominantly cost control and
operational efficiency improving
efficiencies by capturing and
reporting on data and reducing
the time it takes to find and solve
operational issues.
What are the Key Problems
Operations are Able to Solve
with InSite?
InSite helps with cost control and
operational efficiency in several
areas. One way it does this is by
identifying issues quickly. Traditional
production management systems
generally find issues after the fact.
Say for example, a loader has a
breakdown. It may be out for some
time before the downtime is recorded.
With InSite, you will be alerted
immediately, allowing you to react to
the downtime and keep in line with
production targets.
Another way is by helping with end-of-
month processes. A typical operation
takes about five days to gather data
for end-of-month financial reporting
and for compliance and auditing. If
you have InSites production system
which links data throughout the mining
system, you can produce your end-of-
month reports in only a few hours.
InSite can also easily identify and
solve bottlenecks in the operation
that you may not even be aware
of. For example, you could have a
crusher feed that appears to be fine
from a systems standpoint. However,
once InSite analyses the data, the
utilisation on the crusher may turn
out to be at 70% where an optimal
3 I nside
Shift Management module provides visibility into executing and tracking shift progress.
crusher feed may be 80%. Without
InSite, you would be unaware that the
throughput of the crusher could be
improved. There are numerous ways
that InSite can identify bottlenecks or
inefficiencies that affect throughput.
Additionally, InSite improves
efficiencies in regards to the skills
shortage. For a lot of operations,
finding skilled employees is an issue.
Having software thats easy to use,
with easy transfer of knowledge
means fewer people are needed to
manage the operation.
How Does InSite Work with
Scheduling Software Such as
Gemcom MineSched?
InSite is integrated with MineSched to
bring in short, medium and long term
target-based scheduling. For example,
MineSched will plan material
movements (move this material, from
this pit to this stockpile, with this
piece of equipment, by this employee)
and InSite will receive that info for all
activities during the day or week. As
the activities occur, InSite will match
them up to the plan values to allow
comparison between plan data and
G emcom Iss u e N o .
actual data.
How Does InSite Work with Geology
and Mine Planning Software?
Geology and mine planning software
provides the initial starting point for
InSite the geological model which
gives the location, volume, cross-
sectional area and grade of material
to be removed. Once material starts
being removed, InSite tracks it
through the mining value chain. It
also tracks all drilling and blasting
pre-production and production data.
What Has the Market Reaction to
InSite 4.0 Been Like So Far?
The market reaction has been great.
Clients really like the overall look and
feel, how intuitive the new version is
and how easy it is to navigate. Theyre
excited about the ability to see
visually how things are performing,
and the quick response time for
issues. Overall, the shift away from a
traditional model is a big change and
people love the new technology.
To learn more about InSite, visit
gemcomsoftware.com/insite.
3 , 2 0 1 1
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CUSTOMER STORY
Gold Fields Ghana Utilises Gemcom Whittle
to Improve Cash Flow at Tarkwa Operation
Gold Fields Tarkwa Gold Mine is
located in South Western Ghana with
an infrastructure consisting of six
open pits, two heap leach facilities
and a CIL plant. The operation
is currently mining multiple-reef
horizons from open pits and there
is potential for future underground
mining. Tarkwa has a mineral
resource of 12.6 million gold ounces
and a mineral reserve of 9.2 million
ounces.
The Tarkwa mine uses Gemcom
Whittle to generate and select the
standard optimal pit shells from
which they calculate their reserves.
They then export the pit shells
to Gemcom Surpac to develop
scheduling designs.
Whittle has enabled them to rapidly
generate multiple scenarios, and the
minimum mining width feature has
helped them create an improvement
in cash flow through the scheduling
of internal cutbacks.
The software allowed us to find
scenarios that showed a clear
improvement over the base cash flow
and also to see where production
targets may be reducing cash flow.
We were able to quickly select and
re-evaluate internal cutbacks,
Gold Fields Tarkwa Gold Mine.
4 I nside
says Lucette Hugo, Chief Strategic
Planning Engineer, Gold Fields Ghana.
She explains further, The ability to
quickly generate over 300 scheduling
scenarios and apply different
production criteria to both existing
and new cutbacks allowed us to see
the value loss or gain each scenario About Gold Fields
would create for the business. This Headquarters: Johannesburg,
South Africa
has enabled us to reach our targets
without sacrificing cash flow. We Symbols: JSE, NYSE, NASDAQ, NYX,
SWX: GFI
couldnt possibly have scheduled all
these scenarios using our previous Gold Fields is one of the worlds
largest unhedged producers of gold,
scheduling and financial modelling
with operating mines in Ghana,
software within a reasonable time Australia, Peru and South Africa.
frame.
Website: goldfields.co.za
Gemcoms software has allowed
the operation to explore a much
wider range of options. Hugo says, course significantly enhanced our
Our previous software only allowed understanding of how to generate
us to choose three or four different value through pit and phase selection
scenarios. Being able to run hundreds
and scheduling. It allowed us to
of scenarios has allowed us to explore
integrate concepts we werent
options previously not considered
previously utilising and meet our
feasible, and conclusively demonstrate
internal targets. She also adds,
their value to the business.
Gemcoms technical support is
Hugo recommends Gemcom products
excellent; their response time is fast
for their efficiency and flexibility, and
and answers are relevant and helpful.
adds that Gemcoms training services
and technical support have also For more customer stories,
been invaluable to their operation. visit gemcomsoftware.com/
Attending an optimisation training customer-stories.
G emcom Iss u e N o . 3 , 2 0 1 1
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Regional News
AUSTRALASIA

Herding Emus Gemcoms MPF is designed to

integrate staff and technology across
Gemcoms MPF can analyse gaps
in how information travels, and can
with Gemcoms the mining value chain, increasing evaluate ways the systems used can
business efficiency and profitability. Its work more efficiently. Since the MPF
Mining Process benefits extend across each end of the is scalable to cover single or multi-

Framework mining process delivering a strategic

plan for mining from start to finish.
mine environments, it is a valuable
tool for mine operations who want
The Gemcom Mining Process to decrease production costs and
Recent additions to the AustralAsia
Framework (MPF) is back in the spotlight optimise the extraction of resources.
Services team, Vladislav Trashliev
after this years Diggers and Dealers Using Gemcoms suite of software
and Ross Corben (Principal
event in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. products, the entire mining value
Consultants Geology), were in
Likening the day-to-day running of chain is covered through the MPF.
attendance at Diggers and Dealers
mining operations to the chaos of to highlight how the MPF works If you would like more information
herding emus, our MPF promotion and how it can benefit mining on the MPF and how we can help to
highlighted the impact the MPF can operations. Highly experienced in make your mine site more efficient,
have on the mining process, and how geology and underground engineering, please contact:
the framework can help take control our Services team has been busy sales-aa@gemcomsoftware.com.
of productivity issues and minimise visiting mine sites and working with Read more regional news at:
the dilution of knowledge once engineers, geologists and surveyors gemcomsoftware.com/company/
someone in the team leaves. to implement the MPF. regional-news.

Gemcoms Rebecca Kellam (left) and Anna Hipper (right) with a client at Diggers and Dealers.

Get your team and operations aligned with the Gemcom Mining Process Framework
Get your team and operations aligned with the
Constantly herding emus? Gemcom Mining Process Framework

Monitoring & Control

Surveying
A7

Manage Exploration
& Resource Data
A1

Manage Geological
Mining Data
A2
Update Mining
Block Models
A3 LOM/LT
Optimisation &
Mine Planning A4 Scheduling &
Targeting Operational Planning
A5
& Task Execution
A6

Track & Reconcile

Production
A8

Gemcom Mining Process Framework promotional flyer.

Mining Software Solutions
G E M C O M M I N I N G P R O C E S S F R A M E W O R K
- 2 - - 3 - G E M C O M M I N I N G P R O C E S S F R A M E W O R K

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EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

Classroom Training
Special Offers
Gemcom offers a variety of training
courses for beginner, intermediate
and advanced users of Gemcom
software. Courses are available on
both a scheduled and request basis
and can be tailored to suit your
needs. We can also conduct training
at your site using your data.
Classroom courses offer a cost-
effective way of quickly updating
your staff skill sets. Our regional
classroom courses take place at our
Coalville office which is conveniently
located in the heart of the UK, close
Gemcoms Ross Pemberton at a classroom training course.
to Birmingham and East Midlands
Airports. The classroom courses
TCL Scripting Specialised Workshop
listed are taught in English but we
can offer training in a wide range of 21 24 November 2011. Register
languages; please contact us with before 21 October to qualify for
details of your requirements. the discount.
For more information or to book
Special Offers
training, please email:
We are currently offering a 25%
training-eu@gemcomsoftware.com
discount on two of our most popular
or call +44 1530 835554.
courses for advance bookings!
You can also register online at:
Resource Estimation and
gemcomsoftware.com/training.
Geostatistics Specialised
Workshop 17 20 October 2011. Read more regional news at:
Register before 16 September to gemcomsoftware.com/company/ Gemcoms Glenn Barlow leading
qualify for the discount. regional-news. classroom training.

Upcoming Classroom Training Courses Include:

Product Course Location Date

Surpac Foundation, Solids and Block Modelling Quick Start Course. CPD Endorsed Coalville 10 12 Oct 2011

Surpac Resource Estimation and Geostatistics Specialised Workshop. Coalville 17 20 Oct 2011

Surpac TCL Scripting Specialised Workshop. Coalville 21 24 Nov 2011

Surpac Foundation and Geology Quick Start Course. CPD Endorsed Coalville 12 14 Dec 2011

Minex Foundation and Engineering Quick Start Course. CPD Endorsed Coalville 19 22 Dec 2011

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LATIN AMERICA
INDO-AFRICA
Check out the short video of the User Conference posted on the Gemcom website. See the beautiful
Zebula Golf Resort & Spa, and hear firsthand about the experiences of the delegates and attending
Gemcom staff.
2011 Gemcom
South African
User Conference
a Great Success
Located on 1,600 hectares of pristine
African Bushveld in the shadows of the
Waterberg mountain range, youll find
Zebula Golf Resort & Spa; the only 5
Star graded Golf Estate, Nature Reserve
and Health Spa combination in the
whole of Africa. This was the chosen
venue for Gemcoms South African User
Conference 2011. The Gemcom Africa
team was delighted to host guests
at Zebula from 17th to 19th August for
another successful User Conference.
We see User Conferences as a
platform to further build and grow
our Gemcom community. Participants
get the opportunity to connect
and network with other mining
professionals and Gemcoms product
experts. It is also a great time to
share knowledge and learn industry
best practices, with users being
able to demonstrate how they have
leveraged Gemcoms software and
services to increase the efficiency
and productivity of their operations,
said Mike Kersten, Regional Vice
President, Gemcom Indo-Africa.
7 I n s ide
The program for the User Conference
included company updates from
senior management, along with
product roadmap information from our
product experts and managers. User
presentations allowed attendees to
gain insight into what other users are
doing with the software, and to share
ideas and best practices. Workshop
sessions were also held to provide
delegates with hands-on experience
on how to utilise the latest Gemcom
software updates.
While there was time for learning,
there was also lots of time to
network and have fun. Guests were
treated to an activity of their choice:
archery, clay target shooting or a
game drive. Everyone had great fun!
Wed like to thank all our guests for
their attendance and participation
at the South African User Group.
Group photo at the South African User Conference.
G emcom I s s u e N o .
Wed also like to congratulate Efet
Banda from The Mineral Corporation
for winning the prize for delivering
the best user presentation, and
Yomeshka Moodley from Xstrata
Alloys for winning the runner up prize.
Read more regional news at:
gemcomsoftware.com/company/
regional-news.
Heres What Some of
the Delegates Had to Say:
I found the User Conference a
fantastic platform to network and
exchange ideas. Not only do you
get to meet other Gemcom product
users, but you get an opportunity
to learn new industry practices
and discover ways of working more
efficiently and effectively.
Efet Banda, Geologist,
The Mineral Corporation
I enjoyed every part of the
User Conference from the user
presentations and interactive
sessions to the fun activities at
the immaculate Zebula Golf Estate.
It was truly a once in a life time
experience.
Daniel Maunge,
Senior Resource/Projects Geologist,
Konkola Copper Mines
The product workshops were
very helpful in discovering how to
utilise the latest Gemcom software
updates.
Thulani Maupa,
Divisional Geologist, Coal of Africa
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LATIN AMERICA

Services and design and mining operations. work, there have also been several
data management projects involving
What are Some Examples of
Training in Gemcom Services Your Team has
GEMS in Chile, Argentina, Colombia
and Honduras. Part of each
Latin America Provided for Our Clients?
implementation was the improvement
We recently There are a lot of different ways we
of workflows to increase productivity
welcomed work with our clients, whether its
in geology, engineering and planning.
Senior Mining providing them with the knowledge and
Engineer workflows they need to improve mining What Sort of Training do you Offer?
efficiency, or assisting them with Training is one of the most popular
Guillermo
specific projects when they dont have services we provide for our clients.
Olivares to
the staff or in-house skills available.
the Gemcom We offer beginner through advanced
Latin America Some of our most recent projects training on all of our products.
services team. throughout the region include Upcoming classes can always be
Guillermo Olivares, Guillermo geological modelling for mines in found on our training web page at
Senior Mining Engineer Peru, Honduras, Chile and Colombia.
has been gemcomsoftware.com/training.
busy employing his expertise in In Argentina, we developed a Custom training at client sites is also
mine planning and design to help methodology for reserve estimation
offered. Clients can learn more by
Gemcom clients maximise their use for an open pit client. We also
emailing us at:
of our software. Here he tells us a developed a similar methodology
sales-la@gemcomsoftware.com.
but with a different scope for two
little about the services offered by
underground operations in Chile. For more information about Gemcom
Gemcom in Latin America.
Also in Chile and Argentina, we services, contact:
Tell us a Little About the completed several strategic mine servicios@gemcomsoftware.com
Services Team in Latin America. plans for clients, providing them with or contact Guillermo at:
Our Services team is made up of the information needed to increase golivares@gemcomsoftware.com.
over 20 professionals with diverse business performance in both the Read more regional news at:
experience and skills in geology, short term and long term. gemcomsoftware.com/company/
engineering, mine planning and In addition to geology and engineering regional-news.

Gemcom Latin America booth, at Colombia Minera 2011.

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NORTH AMERICA
What makes the program unique is with Gemcoms industry leading
that we build ongoing partnerships that software.
go beyond incorporating our software
Program Overview
into the curriculum. We ensure
educators receive training that will help The North American University Program
them in the classroom and can access is a partnership with accredited
technical support when they need it. geology and mining educational
institutions, including universities and
Key Benefits Provided
colleges. It supports computer lab
by Participation in the
training and project work, providing
University Program:
students and educators with geology
North American Opportunities for participation
(without cost) in Gemcom North
and mine planning software. The
program includes one network license
University Program America events. that manages access to the software
Equipping Students Classroom training courses. for up to ten concurrent users.
Webinars. Additional connection options are
for Opportunities in
available to meet those educational
the Mining Industry Technical Seminars in your area.
institutions with larger requirements.
Gemcom will provide a Company Academic licenses are valid for one
At Gemcom, we understand that
presentation at the start of the year.
educational institutions need to year and can be renewed annually if
incorporate the latest industry Access to technical support and ongoing participation criteria are met.
technology into the programs they software updates.
For more information on the North
offer. This is why we have developed Datasets and training materials American University Program, please
the North American University available to help build curriculum. contact Martina Barnett at
Program an extension to our Substantially reduced rate for mbarnett@gemcomsoftware.com.
Academic License Program. The software license renewal. Read more regional news at:
North America University Program Greater employment opportunities gemcomsoftware.com/company/
is a partnership between our North exist for students experienced regional-news.
American Business Unit and tertiary
learning institutions in the USA,
Canada and Mexico to provide
Gemcom software for classroom use
at a substantially reduced rate.
The University Program is designed
to meet the needs of the mining
industry as well as instructors and
students by:
Decreasing the industry skills
gap by increasing the numbers of
skilled employees ready to use
the software on site, directly out
of school.
Increasing the relevancy of courses
to the modern mining industry.
Increasing students personal
marketability due to an increased
skill set and providing a crucial
edge in finding employment.

9 I n s i d e G emcom I s s u e N o . 3 , 2 0 1 1
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Products
example is provided in the
Gemcom Surpac table below.
Fig. 1

Slope Angles Colouring If the algebraic expression you

DTM Triangles by Value
Leon Dickinson,
Technical Product
Manager Surpac
Colouring DTM
triangles by dip
value is useful
when designing pits and stopes, to
ensure that wall angles do not exceed
maximum design slope. Exceeding
maximum design slope may break
mines department rules, or surpass the
rock strength and result in wall failure.
Heres How to Colour
DTM Triangles by Value:
Launch Surpacs Surface or solid
with colour banding dialog box in one
of the following ways:
From the softwares main
navigation menu, choose Display
> Surface or solid with colour
banding Fig. 1 .
OR Type DRAW SHELLS (DSH)
or DSH into Surpacs Function
Chooser Fig. 2 .
Once the Surface or solid with
colour banding dialog box opens,
select the appropriate Layer
name from the drop-down list.
Next, under Banding Type, select
the using algebraic expressions
radio button. Fig. 3 .
Finally, enter the appropriate
information into Colour,
Expression, and Label. An
entered is satisfied and returns
true, the associated colours will
be displayed.
The Graphic Indicates:
1. The majority of the pit walls are
between 50 and 75 degrees slope
as shown by the yellow colour.
2. The berm and pit floor are coloured
cyan because they are level. Fig. 2
3. The ramp is coloured blue as the
slope is between 0 degrees and
20 degrees.
4. The section of the north-western
wall of the pit, above the decline
is coloured green and indicates
Fig. 3
the slope angle is between 20
and 50 degrees slope.
5. Sections of the north-western
side of the pit are coloured
pink, indicating the wall slope is
between 75 and 80 degrees.*
*Point 5 indicates that the pit design
includes walls that meet the criteria of
interest. A wall slope between 75 and
80 degrees may exceed the maximum
slope angle legally allowed by the mines
department, or exceed rock competency.
Thanks to the visual appropriate action
can now be taken in regard to pit design
and monitoring of walls.
Note that Surface or solid with
colour banding can also be applied
to triangles based on the direction of
the maximum dip (dipdir).
The image above shows an open pit DTM
For more information about Surpac, with colour banding generated through
visit gemcomsoftware.com/surpac. algebraic expressions.

Colour Expression Label Result

r=0.4
g=1.0 dip = 0 0 Triangles with a dip equal to 0 degrees are coloured cyan.
b=1.0
blue dip>0&&dip<=20 >0<=20 Triangles with a dip greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 20 degrees are coloured blue.
green dip>20&&dip<=50 >20<=50 Triangles with a dip greater than 20 degrees and less than or equal to 50 degrees are coloured green.
yellow dip>50&&dip<=75 >50<=75 Triangles with a dip greater than 50 degrees and less than or equal to 75 degrees are coloured yellow.
pink Dip>75&&dip<=80 >75<=80 Triangles with a dip greater than 75 degrees and less than or equal to 80 degrees are coloured pink.
red dip>80&&dip<=90 >80<=90 Triangles with a dip greater than 80 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees are coloured red.

Example: Data Entry into the Colour, Expression and Label text fields of the Surface or solid with colour banding dialog box.

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Gemcom GEMS of points or lines you can create an

Creating a Best Fit
Inclined Plane Definition
from Existing Data
Ed Thornton, Product Analyst
Have you ever
wanted to easily
calculate an average
Strike or Dip value
for a set of points
or lines? In GEMS,
for any collection
inclined plane using the best fit
method by following the procedure:
Surface > Create > Create Surface
from Active Data.
Create the surface using the option
Create on: The (temporary) best-fit
plane and ensure you check the
box for After creating the surface,
change the current view to the best
fit plane Fig. 1 .
Press OK you will be prompted
to confirm that the direction of the
plane is correct Fig. 1 .
You can accept or cancel the next
dialog depending on whether you
want to keep the resulting surface
triangulation Fig. 2 .
Finally, use the View > Create
Sections > From Current view to
name and save the inclined section
(plane). The properties of the new
inclined section can be viewed
from the Profiles Tab in the Project
view window Fig. 3 .
To learn more about GEMS, visit
gemcomsoftware.com/GEMS.

Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3

New GEMS Product Demo Videos

GEMS 6.3 video: Direct Triangular Editing with Gemcom GEMS 6.3. GEMS 6.3 video: Improved Interaction with Gemcom GEMS Using the 3D mouse.

To watch GEMS product demo videos, visit: gemcomsoftware.com/gems/videos.

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Gemcom Minex
Seam Differentiation
Using a Seam Model File
Andre Broodryk,
Technical Product Manager Minex
Have you ever
displayed a Minex
seam model in
3D yet found the
individual seams
hard to see
because the colour you selected
didnt provide enough differentiation?
Heres a handy tip that will allow you
to clearly identify them by applying
unique colours to each one.
When you choose to display a gridded
seam model in 3D, Minex will apply
colour to the individual grids based on
the initial colour you select from its
colour map (as shown in the dialog box
Fig. 1
1 2
below on the top of Fig. 1 ). By default
Minex applies variations of this colour
to the different grids. Sometimes,
this can cause individual grids to
become indistinguishable from one
another as show in the image on the
bottom of Fig. 1 .
Youll be happy to know theres an
easy way to apply colours to different
seams. Seams can be differentiated
by assigning a unique colour to each
and by referencing the folder that
contains the grids in a Seam Model
file (which you will recognise by the
.sml extension).
The first step is to navigate to
BoreholeDB > Edit > Create/Edit
Seam Sequence to select the colours
to use for each seam in the Borehole
Stratigraphic Sequence file as
illustrated below Fig. 2 .
Next, to create the Seam Model file,
navigate to File > New and select
SeamModel.sml template from the list
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 5
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under Choose Template. This will
initiate the wizard Fig. 3 that guides
you through the steps needed to
create the Seam Model file.
After the Seam Model file has been
created (SEAM_MODEL.sml in Fig. 4
below), it will be added to the Minex
Explorer window where it can be
expanded and the model displayed.
You can sort your grid files by seam
(the default option) or by suffix. With
the Seam Model file selected in the
Minex Explorer, right click and select
Swap Seam/Variable Order to toggle
between these options. When sorted
by suffix, simply click on the SF suffix
and select Display to display all of
the SF grids in the specified colours
Fig. 4 .
The results show individual seams
displayed with different colours in
Minex as seen in Fig. 5 .
For more information about Minex,
visit gemcomsoftware.com/minex.
Fig. 4
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Gemcom Whittle
Comparing Two Approaches
to Optimisation with
Different Whittle Modules
Steph Cantin,
Product Line
Manager, with
Claudio Varas and
Sergio Navarrete
Of all the
optimisation modules available
in Whittle, the potential of the
Simultaneous Optimisation Module
(SIMO) stands out. SIMO is a next-
generation multivariate optimiser and a
powerful tool for strategic mine planning.
In one step, SIMO optimises four
key processes which impact the net
present value (NPV). SIMO considers
Above are the results of a test with real data comparing the optimisation with SPCO and with SIMO. According to the results obtained, SIMO provided a higher NPV.
1 3
the interdependencies between these
processes and generates different
feasible combinations which will
yield an overall optimal solution. By
avoiding the optimisation of each
of these processes in isolation, it
ensures maximum value is derived.
What are the Differences Between
Whittles SIMO and Stockpile and
Cut-off Optimisation Modules?
The Stockpile and Cut-off (SPCO)
module optimises two key parameters
of value: cut-off grades and
stockpiles, whereas SIMO optimises:
cut-off grades, blending, stockpiling
and sequencing. Therefore, to
perform an optimisation with SPCO
at the same level of SIMO, the user
would have to find the best mine plan
to enter into SPCO, optimise it with
SPCO and then optimise the mix of
I n sid e G e mcom I ss u e
plant feed with other computational
tools. However, even then, obtaining
an optimal solution equivalent to that
of SIMO is not guaranteed.
SPCO presents the theoretical and
practical problem of determining the
best mine plan to optimise, which is
not an easy issue to overcome. Thats
because SPCO needs a mine plan
to generate an optimisation, while
SIMO includes the mining plan as a
parameter to be optimised. Further,
when not using SIMO, the planning
algorithms in Whittle schedule the
total mineral reserves, which is not
necessarily the best condition as it
doesnt maximise NPV. With SIMO, the
planning horizon can be defined.
For more information about Whittle,
visit gemcomsoftware.com/whittle.
Results returned using the Stockpile and
Cut-off module.
Results returned using the Simultaneous
Optimisation module.
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Gemcom
MineSched
Calculating Truck
Requirements

Steph Cantin, Product Line Manager

A commonly asked
MineSched question
is, How do I
calculate the number
of trucks required
to move material to
my waste dumps,
stockpiles and processing plant?
Heres how this is done.
MineSched Inputs
In MineSched, the user is able to
associate haul routes with material
movement. A haul route is a string file
that contains one or more segments
representing the different route
options. If multiple route options exist,
MineSched will determine the route
with the shortest total haul distance
from source to destination.
MineSched Outputs
MineSched reports mass mined
(in tonnes) multiplied by distance
travelled (in kilometres), which is
referred to as TKM. TKM can be
The image above is from the MineSched Haulage tutorial data and shows a pit, two external waste
dumps, two stockpiles and the defined haul routes between them.
reported within user defined haul
route gradient ranges. MineSched
also reports mass mined per period.
Calculations
The required number of trucks per
scheduling period is calculated using
the values listed below. The first two
values are reported by MineSched.
The remaining values are obtained
from historical records, provided by the
equipment supplier, or estimated based
on expected operating conditions.
TKM by gradient % ranges.
Mass mined.
Truck mass capacity per load.
Average truck speed full per
gradient range.
Average truck speed empty per
gradient range in reverse direction.
Available hours per truck
calculated using calendar hours in
the scheduling period * availability %
* utilization % * efficiency % (where
efficiency % factors in queuing and
other operating delays).
Fixed time for truck spotting
and loading.
Fixed time for truck turning
and dumping.

A Simple Example MineSched Report:

Scheduling Period Tonnes Mined TKM gradient < 5% TKM gradient > = 5%
1 10,000,000 20,000,000 10,000,000
2 10,000,000 20,000,000 15,000,000
3 10,000,000 20,000,000 20,000,000

Known Values:
Truck load capacity 100 tonnes/load
Avg. speed gradient < 5%, full 30 km/h
Avg. speed gradient >= 5%, full 15 km/h
Avg. speed < 5%, empty in reverse direction 40 km/h
Avg. speed >= 5%, empty in reverse direction 40 km/h
Spotting and loading time 3 minutes (0.05 h)
Turning and dumping time 2 minutes (0.033 h)
Available hours per truck 365 x 24 x 80% x 80% x 75% = 4,204.8 h/truck

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Calculations (Using Period 1 Values)

1. First, calculate the total distance for each gradient range. This is the reported TKM divided by the reported tonnes mined,
multiplied by 2 (to take into account the return distance).

Tonnes Mined TKM < 5% TKM > = 5%

10,000,000 t 20,000,000 tkm 10,000,000 tkm

(TKM / Tonnes Mined) x 2 = 4.0 km 2.0 km

2. Calculate the driving time per load for each gradient range. This is the total distance divided by the average speed (full and
empty) for each gradient range.

TKM < 5% TKM > = 5%

Total distance per load 4.0 km 2.0 km

Avg. speed 35 km/h 27.5 km/h

Total distance per load / avg. speed = 0.114 h 0.073 h

3. Calculate the total time per load. This is the sum of the driving times for each gradient range plus the spotting and loading time plus
the turning and dumping time.
Total time per load = 0.114 + 0.073 + 0.05 + 0.033 = 0.27

4. Calculate the number of loads by dividing the tonnes mined by the tonnes per load.
Number of loads = 10,000,000 / 100 = 100,000

5. Calculate the number of hours by multiplying the number of loads by the time per load.
Number of hours = 100,000 x 0.27 = 27,000

6. Calculate the required number of trucks by dividing the number of hours by the available hours per truck.
Number of trucks = 27,000 / 4,204.8 = 6.42
Performing the above calculations in a spreadsheet for each period, the number of trucks per period is:

Period Number of trucks

1 6.42

2 7.29

3 8.15

The calculations above are only an estimate because the calculation uses the average velocity along a haul route within a
defined gradient range. In practice, additional factors such as intersections and road conditions also determine truck velocities.
An upcoming version, MineSched 7.1, will read truck velocities from the haul route string files and report truck hours and truck
requirements directly in the Dashboard.
For more information on MineSched, visit gemcomsoftware.com/minesched.

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Gemcom PCBC Running the Best

Multi-Lift Modelling
Tony Diering,
Vice President Caving Business Unit
PCBC has been
improved to work
more efficiently with
multi-lift projects.
Every step in
the PCBC model
creation workflow
has been adjusted and improved,
enabling the evaluation of long-term
plans and combining all draw points
in different levels even if the
footprints on different levels overlap.
Creating the Slice File
There is a new option to allow the
creation of a slice file in one step.
Previously this would require five
steps (initialise, compute block
fractions, transfer data from the block
model, pre-mixing and save the slice
Height of Draw (HOD)
After you run the best HOD, PCBC
will show an independent surface for
each level and then you can evaluate
graphically the combination of this
result, as in the image below.
Running Production
Schedule and Playback
Now you can run a production
schedule combining all lifts and have
Fig. 1
2.0
1.8
the option to analyse and report
different scenarios for sequences
and production rates. Additionally, two
new keywords have been created to
avoid potential undermining or lead/
lag situations, saving time and several
iterations to get the final schedule. The
graph below Fig. 1 shows an example
of the multi-lift schedule with production
from each sector clearly identified.
Playback
This tool has been improved to
display independent surfaces for each
level to enable graphical analysis
of the results of the schedule and
to prevent any possible issues of
undermining. An example of HOD
profile in the Playback tool is shown
below Fig. 2 .
To learn more about PCBC, visit
gemcomsoftware.com/pcbc.
Lift1 Lift2 Lift3 Lift4 CU
1.60
1.40

file). Now you can do these steps 1.6

1.20
using the single option: Build slice 1.4
Tonnage (Mt)

1.00

Cu Grade (%)
file. It requires you to define several 1.2

inputs using the advanced profile, 1.0 0.80

and to identify each level using the 0.8
0.60
Sector field per draw point. Using 0.6
0.40
this option you can create a slice 0.4
file with several lifts and replace the 0.2
0.20
broken material from a lift above with
0.0 -
default values or with material from 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
a different block model. The image Period (Year)
below shows an example of a slice
file created using four lifts.
Fig. 2

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Gemcom Hub
Overcoming Communication Issues
When Sharing Data from Remote Locations
Kevin Ward, Product Manager Hub
While it has only
been available for
just over six months,
Hub has been
deployed globally by
operations in places
as diverse as Australia, Mexico and
Mongolia. A key reason why you will
find it in different parts of the world is
its ability to solve the communication
issues remote projects face when
sharing data. Hub has a couple of
different strategies to help with this
common issue.
The first way Hub does this is by
using a versioning methodology to
compare the files held on a remote
users computer with the master
versions held on the server
potentially many miles away and
connected via poor or expensive
networking infrastructure. This allows
Hub to determine whether any data
needs to be transferred in order
Huge satellite dish outside the minesite office surrounded by boxes of core samples. This satellite
transfers the data from the minesite back to Ulaanbaatar.
1 7
to bring the files into
synchronisation, and if so
how much of the data is
different. Therefore, the
server need only transfer
the changes made at
either end since the last Hubs progress dialogue box, showing that less data was
synchronisation event, transferred than the total file size. Depending on the nature of
rather than continually the changes made and the original file sizes, this can approach
90%+ saving versus an FTP transfer.
transferring the entire
file back and forth. This
is done at a binary level, and is
not contingent on file types or data
formats. This is a major advantage
over mainstream data sharing
offerings such as FTP, SharePoint, or
simple network mounted drives.
Another way Hub manages
communication issues is by using
secure HTTP (the same as you use
to communicate with your bank)
to communicate with the remote
client, ensuring total security of
the data being transferred. Though
I n side G emcom I ss u e
Hub can work effectively within an
organisations Wide Area Network
(WAN), it can additionally be used
with a public facing portal, allowing
remote users the flexibility of
securely accessing data without the
restrictions and network sensitivities
of remote access solutions like a
Virtual Private Network (VPN).
Additionally, Hub and its remote
software clients can detect any
network glitches and automatically
retry or pause/resume in order to
avoid resending already transferred
data unnecessarily. This can
be particularly important when
transferring large technical files such
as block models which can potentially
reach upwards of a gigabyte in size.
Hub also ensures that the already
optimised differences are additionally
compressed to squeeze as much
value out of every byte transferred
as possible. This minimises the
time needed to update a remote
file, as well as minimising the cost
of expensive infrastructure, such as
satellite links.
For more information about Hub, visit
gemcomsoftware.com/hub.
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Gemcom Services
Gemcom Services In Central Canada, we developed a
set of macros for an underground
now entirely in Surpac, it combines
seamlessly with the rest of their
Surpac Automation: gold mining operation which helps operational data.
them create very large, detailed
Beyond the Basics At an underground base metals
geological maps. When they enter
mine in Western Canada, we wrote
new geological data, they simply run
Chawki Jreige, Principal Consultant, a systems maintenance macro that
the macro and they have a whole
Gemcom North America runs at midnight. It automatically
new set of plans and maps. To assist
cleans up files, removes unneeded
If you are a Surpac with surveying, we implemented
ones, and finds files that are in
user, you probably macros which automate the workflow
the wrong place and moves them
know about of downloading new survey data and
to the right one. Once the files are
its automation merging it with master data. They
organised, it locates the data it needs
capabilities. You also have automated ring design plots
and creates updated status plots of
may have even built a few automation for mine planning that are issued
scripts, called macros, to save time regularly to drillers and blasters. the underground surveys Surpacs
and reduce routine button-clicking. contribution to a stress free morning
For an open pit iron ore mine in
But there is a lot more which can be for its users.
Northern Mexico, we wrote macros to
done with automation to make a real enable new functionality for Surpac. Note that there are over 70 macros
difference for you and your operation, This operation has a very unique available from the downloads
saving huge amounts of time, and method of doing grade control that is section of the Gemcom Support site
eliminating errors. distinct from most mines in the world. gemcomsupport.com.
Not a problem for Surpac we were For more information about our
Heres a Brief Overview of What Can
able to create macros that mimic Surpac automation services,
be Automated in Surpac:
the way they need to work and draw email info@gemcomsoftware.com.
Workflow automation allows you to
on data from disparate departments Learn about other Gemcom
record and playback all the steps
(survey, geology and engineering). services offerings at
in a workflow, enabling them to be
Because the grade control system is gemcomsoftware.com/services.
repeated with the click of a button.
Systems integration enables
Surpac to read and write data to/
from files or databases it doesnt
inherently support.
New functions youd be amazed at
the CAD functionality, reporting and
other capabilities that can be created in
Surpac. For example, we can create a
macro that adds commands to Surpac
to draw dimension lines, or another
which designs planned drillholes.
Of course, some of the work we do
is more routine, such as fixing client-
created Surpac macros when they
upgrade to a newer version of the
software. Whatever we do, were sure
to create reference manuals for them
that document inputs and outputs.
As a services provider (and Surpac
fanatic), one of the most exciting
parts of my job is seeing the positive
impact automation makes for our
software users. The following are a
few of my favourite stories. Screenshot of Surpac 6.2.1 displaying drillholes, topography, and a pit design.

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Gemcom Support
Gemcom Support
Whats the Best Way to
Submit Bugs or Share
Ideas for Software
Enhancements?
Janice Martin,
Global Customer Support Manager
Our Support website
gemcomsupport.com
is designed to allow
you direct access
to our support and
product management
teams, and to connect you with other
Gemcom users in the Discussion
Forum. From the Support website you
can also Submit a Ticket when you
want to get product support, report a
defect or suggest an enhancement.
global events calendar
Upcoming Gemcom Events
For the latest update on where you can see Gemcom, visit
the events section of our website.
Event
Forum of Mining Engineers 2011
International Mining Convention 2011
8th Fennoscandian Exploration and Mining FEM 2011
Mineral Resources Review 2011
Quebec Exploration 2011
NWMA Annual Meeting 2011
Mines and Money London 2011
1 9
To sign up and create a personal
login to access the site, you must
obtain your company account login
information. Your company account
login will be something similar to this:
Company Username: 23900
Company Password: kazoo
To Create Your Personal Account
on the Support Website Home Page:
Click the option Create New Account.
Enter the company support login
(5 numbers) and company support
password (5 letters).
Enter your email address, name, your
chosen password, telephone number
and security question and answer.
Date
12 15 October 2011
26 29 October 2011
1 3 November 2011
3 5 November 2011
21 24 November 2011
30 November 2 December 2011
6 7 December 2011
I n side G emcom I ss u e N o . 3 ,
If your entry is accepted, an email will
be sent to the specified email address.
Click on the link in the email within one
hour to activate your personal profile.
You are now ready to login to the
Gemcom Support site.
Submit your bug or software
enhancement requests click
Submit a Ticket (see below).
You can participate with other users
in the Gemcom User Community and
share ideas about the products click
Discussion Forum (see below).
For more information, please email
support@gemcomsoftware.com.
Location
Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine
Acapulco, Mexico
Lapland, Finland
St. Johns, Canada
Quebec City, Canada
Reno, United States
London, UK
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Gemcom community
Gemcom Software
Mining Blog
The Gemcom Software Mining Blog
has arrived! Weve created a mining
blog to keep you in-the-know about
the latest mining news, industry
trends and Gemcom product updates.
Well be writing and posting several
unique articles a day, so check
the Gemcom Software Mining Blog
frequently for articles on:
Mine productivity and efficiency.
Mining services.
Mining trends.
Product tips and tricks (coming soon).
Gemcom updates.
Join the Gemcom community! Share
articles with friends and colleagues, and
comment on posts to let us know what
you think. We want to hear your feedback.
Visit gemcomsoftware.com and click
on the Gemcom Software Mining Blog
link on the homepage. Make Gemcom
your source for mining industry news.

A random prize draw for an

upcoming Award Phase.

Pool Prizes include:

$2,500 USD cash prize.
iPad 2 with Wi-Fi 64GB.
iPod Touch 64GB.

Its Not Too The battle to be crowned rugby

champions of the world began 9th
Match balls, scarves, caps

Late to Join! September, but there are still several

Win Prizes in the Gemcom
World Fantasy Rugby Pool!
To celebrate the biggest worldwide
event in rugby, Gemcom created
a free (no strings attached) and
exclusive World Fantasy Rugby Pool
for our clients in the mining industry.
opportunities to win exciting prizes if
you enter now! Thats because weve
divided the Pool into three different
Award Phases.
You Can Still Win:
Award Phase Three based on your
picks for games played between
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and backpacks.
Time is Running Out, So Register Now!
Congratulations to Maeve Murphy
from Canada for winning Award
Phase One, and to Patrick Perez from
Canada for being the random winner.
To enter, visit gemcomsoftware.com/
fantasyrugbypool.

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